Ernest g-



(No Model.)

E; G. EBERHARDT.

SUPPOSITURY.

No` 445,984. A Patented Feb. 10,1891.

'E'IE- UNITED STATES PATENT' OEEICE.

ERNEST Gr. EBERI'IARDT, OF INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, ASSIGNOR TO TI-IE ELI LILLIT ib COMPANY, OF SAME PLACE.

SUPPOSITORY.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 445,984, dated February 10, 1891.

Application filed September 13, 1890.

To a/ZZ whom t 71u07/ concern:

Be it known that I, ERNEST G. EBERHARDT, a citizen of the United States, residing at Indianapolis,in the county of Marion and State of Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Suppositories, of which the following is a specification.

As is well known, suppositories and such like medicinal articles generally require a covering which will 'protect them from the effects of exposure. I'Ieretofore they have been covered with tin-foil or some such material. Such coverings are objectionable in many particulars. They are not only of doubtful cfiiciency, but have to be carefully unwrapped when required for use, which is a comparatively slow and tedious operation, and there is also some liability of corrosion, and consequently danger of ill effects from their use.

The object of my said invention is to produce a coveringl which can be easily and quickly removed, and which at the same time can have no possible ill effects upon the article covered thereby.

Sain invention-consists in covering the article with a coating of a material substantially impervious to the effects of exposure, and at the same time so fragile that it may be easily broken apart and removed when it is desired to use the'suppository. Parafline is an excellent material from which to form such a coating, as it is easily applied by dip-A ping the articles therein, (generally rst from one end and then from the other,) and While it is firm enough to protect the articles until they are desired for use it is still broken easily, when desired, 'by pressing or twisting upon it with the thumb and finger.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, which are made a part hereof, and on which similar letters of reference indicate similar parts, Figure l is a substantially full-sized perspective view of a suppository covered in accordance with my invention; Fig. 2, an elevation thereof on an enlarged scale; and Fig. 3, a central sectional view ofthe same. y

The covering, as before stated, I prefer shall be paraffine, and it is commonly applied to the article after it is formed ready for use by dipping said article in the melted paraffine, first one end and then the other. If desired, after the coating is applied it may be scored slightly around the center to faciliiate removal, although this is not neces SerialNo. 364.873. (No specimens.)

sary. lVliile parai'iiue has been found an excellent substance for this covering or coating, it is obvious that many other substances or compositions might be readily provided possessed of the same or equivalent properties, and thus adapted for the same use with the suppository. I therefore do not desire to be understood as limiting myself to the parafline, but consider that all such equivalents for the paraliine covering are included in the invention herein claimed. The substance of the covering being` brittle, when it is desired to use the suppository it is taken in the hands between the thumbs and fingers and a gentle pressure, generally accompanied by a slight twisting motion, breaks the covering open, when the portion of the covering upon one end is removed. The uncovered vend is then inserted in the anus, while the covered end is held between the thumb and iinger. The suppository is then forced completely into the anus, while the remaining portion of the covering is retained by the thumb and finger.

By my improved covering not only is the suppository perfectly protected, but all danger of corrosion is avoided, and the suppository is preserved in the best form for use, as said covering produces a slight lubrication of its outer surface, while the covering is capable of being easily removed whenever desired.

I am fully aware of the use of .gelatine capsules as inclosures for medicinal preparations, and of the fact that pills have been coated in various ways. My invention, as above explained, is for a different purpose, and does not include any such devices orarticles.

llavin g thus fully described my said invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is*

A suppository provided with a covering or coating of paraffine or an equivalent impervious but fragile material, whereby said su ppository is protected and said covering or coating may be easily broken apart and removed, substantially as set forth.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, at Indianapolis, Indiana, this 6th day ot September, A. D. 1890.

ERNEST G. EBERHARDT. [L s] Witnesses:

CHESTER BRADFORD, FRANK W. Woon.

IOC 

